Jersey City to Observe the 10th Anniversary of the Attack on America

Several events will take place throughout the City Including a Walkway Dedication in Honor of Jersey City’s Fallen

Heroes and the “Reflections”9-11 Memorial Service

and the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial Committee will observe the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks with the annual 9/11 Memorial Service “Reflections,” at 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at the foot of Grand Street on the Jersey City Waterfront. The public is encouraged to attend the patriotic ceremony.

On September 11, 2001, Jersey City lost 37 residents in the devastating terrorist attacks. After the towers fell across the Hudson River, the Jersey City waterfront became a staging ground for recovery and relief efforts. Today, the 9/11 monument stands directly across the river from where the World Trade Center towers once stood. The names of the 37 residents of Jersey City are etched on the monument as a memorial

for future generations to remember with respect and honor.

“It was a tragic day in which the whole world stood still and offered prayers and condolences to the people of the United States of America,” said Mayor Healy. “Every year, Americans across the country stand united with remarkable spirit, compassion, and patriotism. September 11th is a day of reverent reflection in which we honor the victims and heroes of that day, as well as salute the many brave men and women who protect our liberties.”

The Mayor noted that contingents of Jersey City firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses and medical technicians were among the first responders to Ground Zero. A triage center was established in Liberty State Park and New York Waterway ferried thousands of injured people and workers from the devastated area in Lower Manhattan to safety in Jersey City. The Jersey City Medical Center, Greenville Hospital, Christ Hospital, and Saint Francis Hospital were the medical facilities where most of those brought to Jersey City were treated. Local funeral homes were called upon to offer assistance with the bodies of the victims.

Since 2002, the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial Committee has observed the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist atacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the forced crash of a commercial aircraft, Flight 93, in a Pennsylvania field which had been commandeered by terrorists.

The 9/11 ceremony will feature remarks by Mayor Healy and other officials. Prayers will be offered by clergy from various religious denominations. Special songs and inspirational music will also be part of the remembrance program. Continuing a spiritual custom started in 2002, there will be the recitation of the names of the residents of Jersey City killed in the attack. The chiming of a bell will accompany each name spoken.

The commemoration will include poetry readings and a performance by award winning musician Victoria, who on September 11, 2001, was at 63 One World Trade Center Tower and survived one of the Lockhart most disastrous and heartbreaking events in our country’s history.

Following the “Reflection” 9-11 Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., the walkway at the foot of York Street, will be dedicated in honor of Jersey City’s two fallen heroes, Spc. Marlon P. Jackson and Spc. Rafael A., who were both killed in combat. The City of Jersey City will forever remember the sacrifices Nieves, Jr. of these two brave soldiers who gave their lives in support of America during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Also as a symbol of American solidarity, the City of Jersey City joins the efforts of U.S. Senator Frank Launtenberg, who submitted a Senate bill requesting that at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on, to the maximum extent practicable, all work and activity shall cease and shall be marked in appropriate manner, including ringing bells, blowing whistles, or sounding sirens in observance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America by coming together as a one Nation.

“On this day, we shall join the rest of the nation in commemorating the values exemplified by the patriotism of the American people,” said Mayor Healy. “We shall honor the great sacrifices made by our first responders and our brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces who continue to protect our country at home and abroad.”

Due to heightened security, all those attending must RSVP with the Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs at 201-547-4334. All media covering the event must show credentials and will be directed to park in Exchange Place Plaza at the foot of Montgomery Street and the waterfront.

About Victoria Lockhart

Victoria Lockhart is an accomplished singer and songwriter who is said to have a voice of an angel. She completed an album, “In His Time,” which also gives an amazing recount of her 9-11 deliverance experience entitled “Testimony.”

Victoria has shared the gospel in many venues and cities across the U.S. Victoria’s music has received acclaim and recognition for her music from those in the industry. Among her many accomplishments are nominations for: “Best Female Vocalist” in the 1st Annual American Gospel Music Awards in March of 2003; on June 26, 2003 for “Outstanding Female Vocalist” by the D’Gospel Music Awards; and in November of 2004, her song “In His Time” was nominated by the 4th Annual Tiffany Gospel Awards for “Outstanding Gospel Artist Of The Year” and “Best Gospel Single Of The Year – The Wedding Anthem”. Victoria has appeared on TBN, Gospel & The Arts, BronxTalk, Good Day New York (Fox 5).

About Army Spc. Marlon P. Jackson

Army Spc. Marlon P. Jackson, 25, died on November 11, 2003 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and his colleagues from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Virginia introduced a resolution that calls on Americans to come together as a nation for a Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, marked by a minute of reflection and ringing of bells and sounding of sirens across the country.

U.S. Senate approved legislation that asks all Americans to stop and remember during a national Moment of Remembrance on September 11 which will occur at the same time across the country: 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, noon Central Daylight Time, 11 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time and 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

Local, state, and national institutions — including state and local governments, military and veterans’ organizations, the news media, houses of worship and sports teams — have been called upon to mark this minute with bells or sirens to honor the victims.

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, on his blog said “This will be a striking symbol of American solidarity, gnaling to the world that we remain united against those who threaten our freedom. It will also be a powerful,